The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation:
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today, on the heels of celebrating the ongoing success of the province’s tourism industry, to laud the achievements of the Newfoundland and Labrador film and television industry.
A few weeks ago, joined by the Premier and the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, I had the opportunity to visit Middle Cove Beach to tour the set of the successful television series, ‘Frontier.’
Mr. Speaker, what an amazing backdrop for this popular Netflix series, now filming its third season right here in our province.
The total production expenditure for three seasons of Frontier is approximately $73 million. Of that, 62 per cent, or $40 million, was spent right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Mr. Speaker, Frontier is just one of the productions being undertaken in the province. Just last week, two new programs launched on CBC: ‘Caught’ which stars Allan Hawco and is based on the phenomenal book by local author Lisa Moore; and ‘Little Dog’ which is written by and stars Joel Thomas Hynes and is produced by Sherry White.
I am pleased to note that the total production value of film and television in Newfoundland and Labrador exceeded $50 million for the first time in 2017-18. That is why our government doubled our Equity Investment Fund for Film and Television production to $4 million in Budget 2017.
Mr. Speaker, this industry is a generator of well-paid, skilled jobs and leverages new investment from sources outside the province.
Beyond direct employment, the local film and television industry creates economic spin offs through spending on construction supplies, gas, car rentals, hotels, food and a wide variety of other goods and services necessary to make a film or television show.
Mr. Speaker, the Newfoundland and Labrador film and television industry is experiencing a strong period of growth and success, and we will continue to work to ensure that we capitalize on these opportunities.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker